Wireless carriers activate first Metrorail tunnel segment

Metro today released the following statement on behalf of the nation's four leading wireless carriers (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile):

"On November 30th, 2016, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless launched commercial wireless service in the first underground subway tunnel segments on Metro's Blue, Orange and Silver lines between Potomac Avenue and the Stadium Armory tunnel portal. These segments cover approximately 1.1 miles of tunnels in each direction. Wireless service is also currently provided in all 50 underground Metrorail stations. Future announcements will be issued once other significant tunnel segments are brought into commercial wireless service as is expected in 2017."

Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld issued the following statement in response:

"Riders have told us they want the ability to maintain wireless communication at all times while riding Metro, and this project is responsive to their needs," Wiedefeld said. "I am pleased to see the tunnel wiring project move forward under the plan I announced earlier this year."